AL.com has been taking a closer look at prison problems as part of Alabama Media Group's Investigative Journalism Lab, which includes collaboration with the Center for Investigative Reporting and NPR station WBHM.

We're starting the conversation with you to find solutions.

Please join me and reporter John Archibald for a live chat here at 2 p.m. today. State Sen. Cam Ward, R-Alabaster,
who supported legislation to form a Prison Reform Task Force, will be joining the conversation.

Should Alabama raise taxes to build more prisons? Cut spending in other state agencies? Reform sentencing so fewer go to prison? What are the viable options?

Let us know what you think. Post your questions or comments below and we'll
respond to as many as we can.